by larryw | Sep 6, 2021 | Community
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.
Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school
by larryw | Sep 1, 2021 | Health, Community
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this month, mental health professionals and advocates work to prevent suicide. Efforts are not only dedicated to preventing the rate of suicide, but also to help communities who are at a greater risk for committing suicide.
Veterans, for example, are at a much higher risk for developing mental health conditions that often go untreated and lead to this tragic result. Now more than ever it’s important to give emotional support to veterans. We need to keep our veterans safe.
Studies show that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The typical state suicide rate for veterans is typically much higher than the general population. This means that, on average, the proportion of casualties for suicidal veterans is greater than non-service members who commit suicide in our country.
These statistics are shocking, considering that suicide can be prevented with enough awareness and the right resources for those struggling. There are countless factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and acts for veterans. Things like combat exposure, substance abuse, injury, struggle to return to civilian life, and military sexual drama all add to the risk of self-harm and committing suicide.
The truth of the matter is that a large majority of veterans experience all these factors and more because of the nature of their jobs. By serving the country, veterans often put others’ safety above their own. This is exactly why having resources in place for veterans to seek preventative and active mental health care is so essential in preventing suicide.
Knowing the signs of mental health issues like PTSD, substance abuse, and the risk of suicide can be challenging. Keep an eye out for the following mood or behavioral changes:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Making risky, impulsive decisions
- New or worsening mental illness symptoms
- Misuse of drugs (illicit or prescribed) and alcohol
Always seek help right away if you or someone you know is currently unsafe. Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 to reach caring and qualified responders.
Whether Veterans are looking for clinical care, counseling, assistance with benefits, or something else, local and national tools and resources are available at the Veterans Crisis Line website.
by larryw | Aug 12, 2021 | Community, Events
August 19, 2021
City Works Eatery and Pour House
2nd Floor
6:30-8:30 P.M.
The Purple Heart Social is an event for veterans and patriots to get together and celebrate the men and women who received the Purple Heart. Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney will be honoring the Purple Heart recipients with a proclamation. There will also be food available courtesy of City Works Eatery and Pour House on the second floor starting at 6:30pm on Thursday, August 19. Event sponsors include Michael Shasteen with Supreme Lending and Dr. Adeel and Sadaf Haq with Pain Management of North Dallas. Post 178 is proud to be a Purple Heart Post.
by larryw | Aug 6, 2021 | Community, Press Release, Anniversary, Memorial
Please save the date to join the City of Frisco and the Frisco Garden Club on September 11 at 6 p.m. for the 20-Year Remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The ceremony will be at Freedom Meadow in Warren Sports Complex, located at 7599 Eldorado Pkwy. The annual remembrance honors the memory of those who died in the attacks on September 11, 2001.
by larryw | Aug 1, 2021 | Community, Americanism
August is Antiterrorism Month, which is designed to raise awareness not only of the threat of terrorism, but also to encourage regular vigilance and communication to report potential threats.
What Activities Do I Report?
- People drawing or measuring important buildings
- Strangers asking questions about security forces or security procedures
- A briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package left behind
- Cars or trucks left in “No Parking” zones in front of important buildings
- Intruders found in secure areas
- A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather
- Chemical smells or fumes that worry you
- Questions about sensitive information, such as building blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules without a right or need to know
- Purchasing supplies or equipment that can be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials
“If you see something, say something” is common theme when it comes to terrorism awareness, and that is being strongly emphasized in August. Trust your instincts; if a behavior or activity makes you feel uncomfortable, REPORT IT.
Kinds of behavior to be wary:
- People drawing or measuring important buildings
- strangers asking questions about security forces and security procedures
- An unattended briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package
- Cars or trucks left in No Parking zones in front of important buildings
- Intruders found in secure areas
- A person wearing clothes that are too big and bulky and/or too hot for the weather
- Chemical smells or fumes that worry you
- A person who is asking questions about sensitive information such as building blueprints, security plans, or VIP schedules without a right or need to know
These reminders may sound familiar; they are the same types of things posted in airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Antiterrorism Awareness Month is designed to bring these reminders back into the spotlight, serving as a reminder that we live in times which require this added watchfulness.
by larryw | Jul 25, 2021 | Community, Americanism, Job Fair / Employment
Every day, hundreds of our military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. National Hire A Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions. As highly trained, qualified individuals, they are ideal for numerous trades.
Legislation protects separating service members as they enter the civilian workforce. However, the best way any potential employer can honor a veteran is to hire one!
While other service members continue to serve in points unknown, the day provides their returning brothers and sisters with an opportunity. Many skills gained in the military world transfer to the civilian world. Both small and large businesses benefit from the talent of our veterans, too. Regardless of the position, find qualified candidates in a range of fields. For example:
- Information Technology – Engineering
- Cyber Security – Sales
- Marketing – Management
- Finance – Healthcare
- Skilled Trades
Free training for veterans can be found at https://www.uso.org/skillsoft.
“Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill” and do it with a Veteran! Please take a moment to honor our men and women of the Armed Forces. Offering them your time and consideration in the civilian workforce is one of the best ways to do that.
